Digital moisture monitor controller with wide applications soil and hydroponics moisture sensors and optional X10 multi sensor multi pump controller

ABSTRACT

Utilizing the latest microprocessor technology, the digital moisture monitor controller along with its wide applications alternating current conduction moisture sensors and optional X10 multi sensor multi pump controller, controls moisture levels in all soils and all of today&#39;s hydroponics mediums.

BACKGROUND AND FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to automatic type watering devices. Morespecifically to automatic control of moisture levels in all soils andall of today's hydroponics type mediums such as rock wool, grow cubes,pumice stone, and the many other types of growing mediums.

Utilizing digital circuitry the device will display current moisturelevel in percentage, 0% representing absolute 0 moisture and 100%representing complete moisture saturation. If the moisture level dropsto below the moisture level preset the device will activate buzzeralarm, LED alarm and pump control output for one minute or until themoisture preset level is reached. In doing so the moisture level is keptconstant in the medium or soil, maintaining a moisture zone, which canbe adjusted for wetter or dryer levels.

In the wide field of hydroponics applications many problems related toplant health occur due to, too much moisture or, too little moisture atthe root zone of the plant. In some types of hydroponics systems theplants root system is completely submersed in water and nutrients, whichis fine for low profile non fruiting types of plants. However largefruit bearing plants need aeration and root to plant support, which isprovided by a medium. If the optimum moisture level is maintained withinthe medium, the plants resistant to disease greatly increases, as wellas plant yield.

Current monitoring and automatic watering devices are not designed tohandle all of the different types of hydroponics mediums. Also they lackor can't perform linear tracking, (actual amount of moisture in mediumat any given time versus medium dry weight) and provide optimum moisturelevels, based on the plant requirements such as temperature, humidity,PH, PPM, water and nutrient uptake.

This device is used in soil as well, and reference to those types ofdevices shall be used for 0006 and 0007.

Soil moisture sensor-controller devices, control moisture for theirparticular soil type applications. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,401742to Cramer, U.S. Pat. No. 5,570030 to Wightman, U.S. Pat. No. 4,796654 toSimpson and U.S. Pat. No. 4,197,866 to Neal. However, These deviceswould not perform to specifications or fail to operate in a hydroponicsmedium such as pumice stone or clay pellets.

While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose employedor for general use, they would not be suitable for the purposes of thepresent invention as disclosed here after.

BRIF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The digital moisture monitor controller with wide applications soil andhydroponics moisture sensors and multi sensor multi pump controller,provide accuracy and operational simplicity for moisture control in allsoils and all of today's hydroponics grow mediums.

The heart of the system is comprised of a microprocessor which providessensing signal, frequency conversion digital integrator, 4½ digit liquidcrystal display, minimum preset memory; pump relay control, alarm LEDand buzzer control.

Due to a wide and varying PPM (parts per million) or EC (electricalconductivity) in mediums and soils, a unique tare circuit isincorporated which provides the correct offset at the input of theintegrator. In doing so large offsets can be tared off much like adigital scale, while maintaining an adjustable moisture range of 0-100%.

Also a flood sensing circuit is employed which is independent of themicroprocessor. In the event a flood is detected the flood sensingcircuit will activate flood LED, alarm tone and override the pumpcontrol output from the microprocessor preventing 120V AC from appearingat the pump control AC outlet.

Three sensors are included, a dual soil/hydroponics moisture sensor, ahydroponics only moisture sensor and a wet dry flood sensor.

An optional X10 digital multi sensor multi pump controller unit providesup to 10 additional moisture sensors and 10 additional pumps.

BRIEF DISCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like elements are depicted by like reference numerals.

The drawings are briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 is a two dimensional partial cutaway drawing, illustrating thedigital moisture controller and sensor in soil or soil less medium.

FIG. 2 is a two dimensional partial cutaway drawing, illustrating thedigital moisture controller and sensor in a clay pellet or pumice stonetype hydroponics medium.

FIG. 3 is a unfolded two-dimensional drawing, illustrating the digitalmoisture controllers left, right, bottom and top panels laid flat inrelation to the front panel.

FIG. 4 is a electrical block diagram, illustrating the interconnectionsof the major functional components of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a two dimensional drawing, illustrating the soil or soil-lessdual purpose type moisture sensor with the front cover removed.

FIG. 6 is a cut away two dimensional drawing, illustrating the soil-lessor hydroponics type sensor.

FIG. 7 is a two dimensional drawing, illustrating a bottom view of theflood sensor housing and the leaf type printed circuit board floodsensor screwed in place.

FIG. 8 is a two dimensional drawing illustrating the moisture controllerand the multi-sensor, multi-pump controller device in use.

FIG. 9 is an unfolded two dimensional drawing, illustrating the X10multi-sensor, multi-pump controllers left, right, top and bottom panelslaid flat in relation to the front panel.

FIG. 10 is an electrical block diagram, illustrating theinterconnections of the major functional components of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a device according to an embodiment of the presentinvention for monitoring and controlling moisture levels in soil andSoil-less mediums, which is referred to hereinafter, simply as amoisture controller 101. Moisture controller 101 includes two moisturesensors and a flood sensor. Moisture sensor 103A is a dual function ACconduction-type moisture sensor with a plug in cord 102, which isreferred to hereinafter as moisture sensor 103A. Moisture sensor 103B isan AC conduction type moisture sensor with plug in cord 102. Moisturesensor 103B is a new type moisture sensor specifically for hydroponicsmediums only, which shall be referred hereinafter as moisture sensor103B. Flood sensor 114 uses a DC conduction leaf type printed circuitboard pattern with a plug in cord 104, which shall be referredhereinafter as flood sensor 114. Any further reference to moisturecontroller 101 drawing hereinafter shall also refer to FIG. 3 for largerscale.

Moisture controller 101 must be set up for its particular applicationbefore use. This is done by plugging the power cord O into a walloutlet, and pushing power switch L to on. Next, select proper moisturesensor 103A for FIG. 1 application, and plug it into MOISTURE SENSOR INM (FIG. 3). With moisture sensor 103A out of soil or medium, adjust theZERO ADJ control F (FIG. 3) until the display B reads 0. Next, applywater and nutrient mix 113 until what the user would consider 100%saturation, then place moisture sensor 103A in soil or medium to rootzone, and adjust the 100% control J until the display B reads 100%. Nextand final step, program the minimum moisture preset level by pushing thepreset button I and holding it down until the display B reads what theuser would consider an appropriate minimum moisture level or actualamount of moisture remaining in soil or medium, in this case 50% hasbeen selected.

To activate pump and alarm control, push ACTIVE button E, and MIN willappear in the display B. In FIG. 1, the moisture controller device 101is shown in use. Located within the medium container 106 is soil orsoil-less rockwool type medium 107A and plants. Also included is a waterreturn flow filter 110 and moisture sensor 103A. When the actual amountof moisture in the soil or medium drops below the minimum moisturepreset level, the moisture controller 101 initiates a one minutewatering cycle by supplying 120 v AC to PUMP OUT P, activates PUMP ONLED I, flashes MIN in display B and activates the alarm multi-tone forone minute indicating to user that the watering cycle has beeninitiated. Power is supplied to the submersible pump 115, via power cord116. PUMP OUT Q is common to PUMP OUT P and is not used in thisapplication. The alarm switch G switches on and off the watering cyclemulti-tone only. If the minimum moisture preset level is not reachedwithin one minute, pump output P, and pump on LED A will remain on. AlsoMIN will continue to flash in the display until the moisture content inthe soil or medium is at or slightly above the minimum moisture pre-setlevel. Once the minimum preset level is reached the watering cycle iscompleted, the pump output P and pump on LED A will shut off, MIN willno longer flash in the display 1B, and the numeral portion of thedisplay B should read approximately 50% moisture content or slightlygreater. If so the cycle of monitoring and pump control starts again.The moisture controller 1011 utilizes a separate flood control circuitwith flood sensor which is independent of the microprocessor andperforms its functions even if the microprocessor or its supportcomponents should fail. On the left side panel is the X10 multi-sensor,multi-pump connector, its embodiment is described below with referenceto FIG. 9.

Flood sensor 114 should be placed where flooding may occur. In the eventthe flood sensor 114 becomes wet, it supplies 4.5 volts DC, via itsplug-in type cord 114 to the moisture controller FLOOD SENSOR IN,labeled N in FIG. 3. When the flood circuit detects 4.5 volts DC presentat its input, it will then activate FLOOD LED C and overrides the PUMPOUT P, holding them off until the flood condition is corrected. It alsooverrides the buzzer ALARM D and provides a loud continuous 2.3 KHZtone. Hardware numerals not included in above embodiment. Return waterout flow PVC or plumbing 109, water in flow VC or plumbing 105, waterand nutrient reservoir 111, stand or table 12 and fuse housing K.

FIG. 2 is analogous to FIG. 1 the only difference is FIG. 2 illustratesthe moisture controller 101 with clay pellets or pumice stone medium107B and shows the appropriate moisture sensor 103B for that particularapplication.

FIG. 3 is a larger scale unfolded two dimensional drawing of moisturecontroller 101 illustrating left, right, bottom and top panels laid flatin relation to the front panel. Moisture controller 101 panel componentsand their functions are listed here forward in alphabetical order. PUMPON LED A indicates when the pump is running. Display B displays currentmoisture level form 0 to 100%, displays MIN indicating the moisturecontroller 101 is active, displays over and under +-indicating theMOISTURE SENSOR IN M, is too high or too low, displays programmingminimum moisture level 0 to 100% and displays memory minimum moisturepreset level. FLOOD on LED C indicates a flood condition exists. BuzzerALARM D has two distinct tones: a multi-tone indicating watering cyclehas initiated and a continuous 2.3 KHZ tone indicating a flood conditionexists. PRESET I is a momentary push-button-type switch. Push and holdpreset I. This programs minimum moisture preset level at display B from0 to 100%. ZERO ADJ F, is a 10-turn linear potentiometer which adjustszero at display B. ACTIVE E is a momentary push-button-type switch. Pushonce to activate moisture controller 101 and MIN will appear in display.

After a 10-second period, push and hold Active E and the display willshow the memory minimum moisture preset level. Push the active E onceagain and moisture controller 101 is deactivated and MIN. no longerappears in display B. In the deactivate mode the moisture controller 101acts as a monitor and holds the pump control out and the pump on LED andwatering cycle multi-tone in an off condition. Adjust 100% J, is a 10turn linear potentiometer which adjust for 100% at the display B afterapplying water nutrient mix and placing moisture sensor at root level.ALARM ON G is a 2-position switch that switches the watering cyclemulti-tone on or off. Fuse K houses a 5 amp fuse. POWER switch L is a2-position switch that provides power to moisture controller 101circuitry. MOISTURE SENSOR IN M is a connector that accepts the moisturesensors plug from 102. FLOOD SENSOR IN N is a connector that acceptsflood sensor plug from 104. PUMP OUT P and PUMP OUT Q are common andsupply 120 v AC to submersible pump or pumps. AC power cord O providespower to moisture controller 101. Din connector H, is a 3-pin dinconnector that provides common ground, and digital control signals tooptional X10 multi-sensor, multi-pump controller. FUSE K, is the fusehousing and 5 amp fuse.

FIG. 4 is an electrical block diagram, illustrating the interconnectionsof the major circuit blocks.

FIG. 5 is a two-dimensional drawing, illustrating the soil or soil-lesstype moisture sensor with front cover removed. The electrical andhardware components are listed in numeral order. 501 is an aluminum rodprobe and output wire fastener. 502 Is the flood sensor housing. 503 isan aluminum rod probe and input wire fastener. 504 is atwo-conductor-type plug. 505 is a two wire conductor cord. 506 is aninsulator sleeve resistant to corrosion and has a high electricalresistant. 507 is moisture sensor cover. 508 is the first aluminum rodprobe tip AC conduction point. 509 is the second aluminum rod probe tipAC conduction point.

FIG. 6 is a cut-away two-dimensional drawing, illustrating the newhydroponics type sensor that is cylinder in shape with a wide opening atthe top of the sensor, this provides enough inside area to obtain anaverage moisture content of the pellets or pumice stone within themedium chamber. The moisture sensor is designed to be buried at the rootzone with the medium chamber filled with pellets or pumice stone andcovered over. The electrical and hardware components are listed innumeral order. 601 is cylinder housing that protects and supports theinternal sensor parts. 602 is the medium chamber. 603 is a fine meshscreen, which prevents any medium or roots from entering the moisturechamber. 604 is a two-conductor-type plug. 605 is a two-wire conductorcord. 606 is the moisture chamber. 607 is a non-corrosive insulator withembedded electrode. 608 is a non-corrosive insulator with embeddedelectrode. The embedded electrode tips act as the AC conduction pointfor both electrodes. 609 is actual pumice stone that has been tumbled ina metal polishing tumbler to obtain correct diameter and conformity.

FIG. 7 is a two dimensional drawing illustrating a bottom view of theflood sensor housing and the leaf type printed circuit board pattern,which is screwed in place. The electrical and hardware components arelisted in numeral order. 701 is the flood sensor housing. 702 is theflood sensor input. 703 is the 4.5 volts DC moisture sensor output. 704is a two-conductor plug. 705 is a two-conductor cord. 706 is the printedcircuit board sensor, whose DC conduction point lies anywhere betweenthe circuit board etches.

FIG. 8 illustrates an optional device that works in conjunction withmoisture controller 101. The device controls ten individual moisturesensors and ten individual pumps, which is referred to hereinafter asthe X10 controller 802. In this application four sensors 3A, 3B, 3C, and3D also four pumps 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D have been selected. Any furtherreference to the X10 controller 802 drawing should refer to FIG. 9 forlarger scale. Set up for the X10 controller 902 (same as 802) isperformed in the stop mode; any channel can be selected to stop at, whenthe AUTO STOP switch C (FIG. 9) is moved to the stop position the SENSOROUT connector D will remain active, allowing for placement of moisturesensors and matching of their individual moisture levels. The X10controller 902, utilizes two digital control signals and a common groundfrom moisture controller 801, via din connector A.

The first control signal is the minimum moisture preset out. The secondcontrol signal is flood condition out. Moisture sensors plug into CHSENSOR IN F connectors, SENSOR OUT connector D plugs into moisturecontroller 801 and pumps plug into CH. TO PUMP AC outlets E. With thePOWER switch B in the on position and the AUTO STOP switch C in the autoposition, the X10 controller 902 will automatically step through thechannels up to the position selected on the, SENSORS IN USE selectorswitch J, at the selected position the next step will return to channel1 and start the sequence again, only using the channels needed for thenumber of sensors in use. At each step point or channel the X10controller 902 latches the individual sensor through its solid staterelay to the SENSOR OUT connector D, and turns on CHI indicator LED G.For example if the minimum moisture level should fall below the minimumpreset level for channel one, the X10 controller 902 will stop atchannel one, latch number one pump relay, activating CH. TO PUMP E ACoutlet, and remain on until the minimum moisture preset level atmoisture controller 801 is reached. In doing so the X10 controller 902will step to channel two and start the process of comparing channeltwo's moisture sensor level to the minimum moisture preset level atmoisture controller 801. Had a flood condition occurred during any modeof operation X10 controller 902 will stop at that channel and over ridethe CH.TO PUMP AC outlets E, holding them off until the flood conditionis corrected.

FIG. 9 is a larger scale unfolded two-dimensional drawing of the X10controller 802, labeled in this drawing 902, illustrating left, right,bottom and top panels laid flat in relation to the front panel. The X10controller 902 panel components and their functions are listed hereforward in alphabetical order. A is a 3-pin din connector that inputscommon ground and digital control signals. B is a single pole singlethrow POWER switch that provides power to the X10 controller 902circuitry. C is a single pole single throw AUTO STOP switch used to stopthe step sequence in order to place moisture sensors and match theirmoisture levels. D is a two-conductor SENSOR OUT connector. E is the CH.TO PUMP AC outlets. F is the CH. TO SENSOR connectors. G is the CH. 1through 10 LED's. H is a fuse housing and five amp fuse. I is a powercord and plug. J is a ten position SENSORS IN USE selector switch, whoseselected position determines the step sequence turn around point.

FIG. 10 is an electrical block diagram, illustrating theinterconnections of the major circuit blocks.

In conclusion, herein is presented a fully automaticdigitally-controlled moisture level monitor controller with the newhydroponics moisture sensors and the optional multi-sensor, multi-pumpcontroller, providing operational simplicity and consistent accuracy,for controlling moisture levels in all soils and all of today'shydroponics grow mediums.

1. A digital moisture monitor controller apparatus comprising: alternating current conduction dual function soil or hydroponics medium moisture sensor with two insulated aluminum rods for means of transferring energy between probe tips at a rate determined by the moisture content of the medium. alternating current conduction hydroponics medium only moisture sensor with medium chamber, a moisture chamber, a porous element and two electrodes for a means of transferring energy between said porous element at a rate determined by the moisture content of medium which is indirect proportion to the moisture content of the moisture chamber. direct current conduction flood wet or dry sensor with printed circuit board etches for a means of transferring energy between said etches. tare or offset adjustment for adjusting out large EC or electric conductivity energy offset as found in hydroponics fluid solutions. storage means for storing a pre selected energy level. comparing means for comparing said pre selected energy level to said moisture energy level with the comparing means operatively connected with controlling the outflow of a submersible pump, said outflow control means operatively connected to the said comparing means. comparing means for comparing said flood wet dry sensor energy level to fixed reference energy level operatively connected with controlling the outflow of a submersible pump, said outflow control means operatively connected to said comparing means. optional plural sensor and plural pump controller operatively connected to said moisture monitor controller.
 2. The digital moisture monitor controller apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said energy transfer means include, two insulated aluminum rod elements adapted for placement in such connection with the soil or hydroponics medium whereby energy is transferred between said probe tips is in direct proportion to moisture level of soil or hydroponics medium.
 3. The digital moisture monitor controller apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said energy transfer means include, a medium chamber, moisture chamber, two electrodes and a porous element adapted for placement in such connection with the hydroponics medium whereby energy is transferred at said electrodes and porous element in direct per portion to the moisture level of the said moisture chamber.
 4. The digital moisture monitor controller apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said energy transfer means include, array of printed circuit board etches adapted for placement on such connections with flooring surface whereby energy is transferred between said etches as a result of wet flooring.
 5. The soil-hydroponics probe as set forth in claim 2 wherein connection with the soil or medium is accomplished by pushing probe rods into soil or medium to preferred root zone.
 6. The hydroponics only medium moisture sensor as set forth in claim 3 wherein connection with the hydroponics medium is accomplished by filling medium chamber with medium and placing sensor at subterranean level or preferred root zone.
 7. The optional plural sensor plural pump controller as set forth in claim 1 individually controls 10 sensors and 10 pumps.
 8. The method of monitoring and controlling moisture in soil or hydroponics medium comprising; said energy transfer means being positioned in moisture communication with the soil or hydroponics medium whereby the moisture content of the transfer means is in direct per portion to the moisture availability from the soil or hydroponics medium; electrically storing the desired moisture or energy level and reacting to that quantum energy level is indicative of the self regulating digital soil hydroponics medium moisture monitor controller; automatically determining the measured energy when the quantum of energy has been supplied; electronically comparing the desired moisture or energy level to the measured quantum energy level to determine if the reference moisture level is met; providing for the out flow of irrigating fluid to the soil or hydroponics medium when the reference moisture level is not met.
 9. The method set forth in claim 2 soil hydroponics medium moisture sensor can be used in all types of soil and certain hydroponics mediums such as rockwool or similar mediums.
 10. The method as set forth in claim 3 hydroponics medium only moisture sensor where the moisture collected in the moisture chamber is in direct per portion to the energy level within the porous element located in the moisture chamber at the out flow section of the sensor.
 11. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein large quantum energy offset EC or electrical conductivity such as found in hydroponics fluid solutions can be offset or adjusted without effecting the linearity or accuracy of the content of moisture in the soil or hydroponics medium.
 12. As set forth in claim 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11 the digital moisture monitor controller and its moisture sensors provide a wide field of applications for controlling moisture levels in all soils and all hydroponics mediums. 